Chinchillas go through some key developmental milestones as they grow from newborns to adults.
- Maturity – Chinchillas reach full maturity around 8-10 months old. This is when they reach their full adult size and their fur will be completely grown in.
- Teeth – Baby chinchillas are born with a full set of teeth that are very sharp. Their teeth will continuously grow throughout their lifetime. Providing chew toys helps wear their teeth down.
- Weaning – Chinchillas will nurse from their mother for 6-8 weeks before being weaned. Weaning involves slowly introducing hay and pellets. By 10-12 weeks old, the babies are fully weaned.
- Opening eyes – Chinchilla kits are born with closed eyes. Their eyes will open around 10-14 days old. At first their vision will be blurry, but it improves within a few weeks.
- Fur development – Chinchilla kits are born fully furred, but their fur will change as they grow. Adult-quality fur starts growing around 6-8 weeks old. Their fur reaches full maturity around 3-4 months old.
- Socialization – Once weaned, chinchilla kits should be socialized with humans and other chinchilas. This gets them accustomed to being handled. A lack of socialization can lead to fearful or aggressive chinchillas.
Monitoring a chinchilla’s development and providing proper care at each stage is key to raising healthy, well-adjusted pets. From birth through adulthood, there are many changes chinchillas go through. With the right diet, environment, and socialization they will thrive.
